CABA Information Series

IS-2007-75: Commercial Buildings - Eco-Efficiency

The Sustainable Development Technology Canada foundation was formed by the Canadian government to develop and demonstrate clean technologies. These technologies apply in energy exploration and production, power generation, energy utilization, transportation, agriculture, forestry and wood products, and waste management. Recommendations are provided in the form of business cases. The methodology for determining where investments are warranted is explained. A case study of energy, water, and sold waste production for commercial office buildings in Canada (380,000 buildings in 2004) is presented. A goal for 2030 is to reduce the energy used in these buildings by 50 percent , the water by 65 per cent, and the solid waste by 85 per cent.